Skills for development are priority – Minister Baksh -- as 764 complete Secondary Competency Certificate Programme
Georgetown, GINA, October, 24, 2011
Source - GINA
Education Minister, Shaik Baksh presenting a trophy to the Second Best graduating student – Grade 9, Kelly Lall of Parika/Salem Secondary School.
The Education Ministry has recognized that each child learns differently and has taken a stance to ensure that all school aged children receive an education that suits their needs. One such programme is the Secondary Competency Certificate Programme (SCCP) which serves as an alternative pathway for the acquisition of knowledge, skills and desirable attitudes that prepare students for further training and the world of work.
The SCCP aims to: develop technical competencies and enhance functional literacy and numeracy of students starting at Grade 9, equip students with life and vocational skills to support national development, support and develop students’ potential in good occupational, environmental, health and safety practices and develop problem-solving and creative thinking through project work.
In 2010, 500 students graduated from the said programme, and at this year’s graduation, held at the National Cultural Centre, 764 students successfully completed their studies.
Students who have completed the Secondary Competency Certificate Programme (SCCP) gathered at the National Cultural Centre for their graduation ceremony.
The successful students were drawn from the North West, Region 1, Aurora and Cotton Field, Region 2, St. John’s and Parika-Salem, Region 3, Beterverwagting and Plaisance, Region 4, No. 29 Primary and Belladrum, Region 5, Skeldon and Tutorial Academy, Region 6, Bartica, Region 7, Wisburg and Kwakwani, Region 10, and Sophia Special School and Lodge Secondary, in the Georgetown district.
In his address, Education Minister Shaik Baksh reflected on the future and the contributions that can be made by the students towards transforming Guyana. He emphasised that skills for development are a priority for government hence the necessary investments are being made and cited the construction of two new technical institutes in Regions 3 and 5, and the implementation of ICT labs and provision of computers at all technical institutes as testimony to this focus on skills development.
The top Secondary Competency Certificate Programme (SCCP) performers share a moment with Education Minister, Shaik Baksh, Chief Education Officer, Olato Sam, Deputy Chief Education Officer (Tech.), Surish Baijnauth and SCCP Coordinator - Aubrey Overton.
The investments are in keeping with the targets set in the Education Strategic Plan (2008-2013) which addresses the advancement of technical and vocational education and ICT.
Minister Baksh indicated that already the benefits of the SCCP are evident and this was brought out in a survey which shows that more students are remaining in school and the drop-out rate has decreased by half in the last five years. He then urged the parents to encourage their children to stay in school.
He added that while the programme offers alternative pathway students still have to pursue English language, mathematics and the sciences. The Minister emphasised that the relevance of the subjects being delivered is important because there must be a close match between what the private sector needs and what the schools produce.
Education Minister, Shaik Baksh viewing some of the students’ handiwork.
As he called on the students to demonstrate good behaviour and attitudes, he noted that the SCCP programme is not one that is for slow learners but one that targets students’ aptitudes.
Minister Baksh, while recognising the need for more resourcing of the Practical Instruction Centers indicated that the Ministry is mounting a special training programme for TVET teachers that will commence in January 2012 and is supported by the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) and the United Nations.
The Minister also reiterated the progress of the ICT drive where, thus far, 70 secondary schools have been computerized while 80 primary schools are utilising Success Maker. By 2013 it is expected, as slated in the ESP that 50 percent of all primary schools will be fully computerized, and is in recognition of the fact that students must become computer literate at an earlier age.
He also referred to Guyana’s 97 percent pass rate in information technology at the 2011 CSEC exams.
Deputy Chief Education Officer (Tech.), Surish Baijnauth noted that the SCCP is the pathway that is of benefit to the graduates, as the programme enables them to earn an income.
He indicated that the emerging industries that address food security, mining, carpentry, hospitality and tourism need persons with the skills and knowledge provided through the SCCP.
While presenting the SCCP report, Coordinator - Aubrey Overton noted that the Unit has trained 315 persons who now have the requisite skills and knowledge to deliver the subjects included in the programme at the 35 secondary schools and 10 practical instruction centers where the programme is available.
Students participated in four core subjects – Language and Communication, Mathematics, Integrated Science and General Studies and chose from one elective in Agriculture Science, Industrial Technology, Home Economics and Visual Arts.
He emphasised that this year’s graduation is a reflection of the programme’s success in light of the challenges.
Overton explained that upon completion of the programme the students are empowered to pursue higher education, employment and even sit the technical subjects at the Caribbean Secondary Examination Certificate (CSEC).
Georgetown, GINA, October, 24, 2011
Source - GINA
Education Minister, Shaik Baksh presenting a trophy to the Second Best graduating student – Grade 9, Kelly Lall of Parika/Salem Secondary School.The Education Ministry has recognized that each child learns differently and has taken a stance to ensure that all school aged children receive an education that suits their needs. One such programme is the Secondary Competency Certificate Programme (SCCP) which serves as an alternative pathway for the acquisition of knowledge, skills and desirable attitudes that prepare students for further training and the world of work.
The SCCP aims to: develop technical competencies and enhance functional literacy and numeracy of students starting at Grade 9, equip students with life and vocational skills to support national development, support and develop students’ potential in good occupational, environmental, health and safety practices and develop problem-solving and creative thinking through project work.
In 2010, 500 students graduated from the said programme, and at this year’s graduation, held at the National Cultural Centre, 764 students successfully completed their studies.
Students who have completed the Secondary Competency Certificate Programme (SCCP) gathered at the National Cultural Centre for their graduation ceremony.The successful students were drawn from the North West, Region 1, Aurora and Cotton Field, Region 2, St. John’s and Parika-Salem, Region 3, Beterverwagting and Plaisance, Region 4, No. 29 Primary and Belladrum, Region 5, Skeldon and Tutorial Academy, Region 6, Bartica, Region 7, Wisburg and Kwakwani, Region 10, and Sophia Special School and Lodge Secondary, in the Georgetown district.
In his address, Education Minister Shaik Baksh reflected on the future and the contributions that can be made by the students towards transforming Guyana. He emphasised that skills for development are a priority for government hence the necessary investments are being made and cited the construction of two new technical institutes in Regions 3 and 5, and the implementation of ICT labs and provision of computers at all technical institutes as testimony to this focus on skills development.
The top Secondary Competency Certificate Programme (SCCP) performers share a moment with Education Minister, Shaik Baksh, Chief Education Officer, Olato Sam, Deputy Chief Education Officer (Tech.), Surish Baijnauth and SCCP Coordinator - Aubrey Overton.The investments are in keeping with the targets set in the Education Strategic Plan (2008-2013) which addresses the advancement of technical and vocational education and ICT.
Minister Baksh indicated that already the benefits of the SCCP are evident and this was brought out in a survey which shows that more students are remaining in school and the drop-out rate has decreased by half in the last five years. He then urged the parents to encourage their children to stay in school.
He added that while the programme offers alternative pathway students still have to pursue English language, mathematics and the sciences. The Minister emphasised that the relevance of the subjects being delivered is important because there must be a close match between what the private sector needs and what the schools produce.
Education Minister, Shaik Baksh viewing some of the students’ handiwork.As he called on the students to demonstrate good behaviour and attitudes, he noted that the SCCP programme is not one that is for slow learners but one that targets students’ aptitudes.
Minister Baksh, while recognising the need for more resourcing of the Practical Instruction Centers indicated that the Ministry is mounting a special training programme for TVET teachers that will commence in January 2012 and is supported by the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) and the United Nations.
The Minister also reiterated the progress of the ICT drive where, thus far, 70 secondary schools have been computerized while 80 primary schools are utilising Success Maker. By 2013 it is expected, as slated in the ESP that 50 percent of all primary schools will be fully computerized, and is in recognition of the fact that students must become computer literate at an earlier age.
He also referred to Guyana’s 97 percent pass rate in information technology at the 2011 CSEC exams.
Deputy Chief Education Officer (Tech.), Surish Baijnauth noted that the SCCP is the pathway that is of benefit to the graduates, as the programme enables them to earn an income.
He indicated that the emerging industries that address food security, mining, carpentry, hospitality and tourism need persons with the skills and knowledge provided through the SCCP.
While presenting the SCCP report, Coordinator - Aubrey Overton noted that the Unit has trained 315 persons who now have the requisite skills and knowledge to deliver the subjects included in the programme at the 35 secondary schools and 10 practical instruction centers where the programme is available.
Students participated in four core subjects – Language and Communication, Mathematics, Integrated Science and General Studies and chose from one elective in Agriculture Science, Industrial Technology, Home Economics and Visual Arts.
He emphasised that this year’s graduation is a reflection of the programme’s success in light of the challenges.
Overton explained that upon completion of the programme the students are empowered to pursue higher education, employment and even sit the technical subjects at the Caribbean Secondary Examination Certificate (CSEC).